<p>^^ I completely understand the “zone” thing. There’s a point where I get into my test-taking mood and I just kinda breeze through it. That works for homework too. It’s subconscious, I can’t tell you HOW it happens but it does. :P</p>
<p>But sometimes I can’t get in my “zone”, and in that case I find that just focusing on the passage itself and reading to understand it is best. Feigning interest, even if it’s something you don’t care about at all, helps too. You comprehend more if you care about what you’re reading. Another thing that helps, especially on extremely hard passages, is making it a challenge. Pretend the passage is a puzzle or a riddle, and you have to solve the puzzle. Motivate yourself in any way you can.</p>